Broadband over Power Lines
In my August 12 column, I discussed a new technology for sending data at high speeds over long distances: BPL, or broadband over power lines.
A couple of people wrote to me to point out what has been a criticism of the technology — namely, that it can interfere with other radio signals, most notably ham radios.
Tom Pinner wrote:
BPL sounds like a life savior to people out in the boonies. A MAJOR drawback to the system is the interference to lawful users of those frequencies. I am an amateur radio operator (aka Ham radio) who has mobile and base units on frequencies that will be used by BPL.
Why does it interfere with our radios? Due to the fact it radiates massive signals due to unshielded power cables that BPL sends signals down. Unlike cable system whose wires are ‘covered’ with shielding, power lines are ‘bare antennas’.
I actually brought this up to the BPL folks I spoke with for the article. Ham radio operators (and, in fact, people with garage door openers) were concerned that these signals would interfere.
I was told that yes, this was a concern, but that the technology in use — being tested now — does not cause that interference.
This might be true. As I mentioned in the column, BPL technology originally sent the signal to individual homes — through the transformer and breaker box. Because those things degraded the signal, it had to be much stronger to get through.
The BPL tech I’m interested in uses the long-range, medium-voltage lines. Because it doesn’t require quite as strong a signal, there may be no interference.
We can only wait and see. That’s why it’s being tested.
MIchael Kantor says:
With reference to the Ham radio story. I’ve been a “ham” for about 15 years. What do they talk about when making those great long distance contacts ? The weather, their radio’ and/or antenna, and how does your signal sound. Woo hoo ! In ham radio heyday, it was great for young and old to experiment in their garages building kits and learning about electronics. Those days are over, heathkit is gone, and there are only a very few kit companies still around.
I won’t say I haven’t had awesome experiences with ham radio, because I have. I’ve talked to the MIR space station, chatted with people on the other side of the planet only using a small 1 tube radio, and learned more about computers and GPS technology. Unless the FCC opens up more spectrum to the ham guys for experimentation and play, I believe this hobby is on it’s last leg. Oh, and don’t expect the FCC to give away priceless radio spectrum any time soon.
My point, BPL is a great technology, better than chatting about the weather/antennas ad nausem.